Cerberus

Cerberus was the guardian of the Greek Underworld, and a faithful servant of Hades (the god who ruled the underworld). He was represented as a grotesque dog who had three heads (although the poet Hesiod claims that Cerberus had fifty heads), all of which snarled at those foolish enough to attempt to leave the Underworld. Most leagends also says the dog had the tail of a serpent. According to legend, Cerberus was the result of the union of Echidna and Typhon, two beings that are best described as somewhat monstrous themselves. Additionally, he was the brother to both the Hydra and the Chimera and a slew of other monstrosities , which further emphasizes his monstrous aspect. Cerberus is featured in several mythological stories in his role as the watchdog of Hades. Perhaps the best known involves the vigorous hero Herakles (or Hercules, if you prefer the more familiar Latinized version). Herakles underwent a series of Twelve Labors, one of which was to capture the fierce canine guardian and parade him around the Greek city of Mycenae, and then return the dog to Hades. The hero in due course accomplished this stunt.

from Lady Gryphon and the Mythical Realm

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